Scrubbing and polishing device



Dec. 21, 1965 G. M. ALTROCK SCRUBBING AND POLISHING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 14, 1965 INVENTOR. GORDON M. ALTROCK 71 W ATTORNEY Dec. 21, 1965 G. M. ALTROCK SGRUBBING AND POLISHING DEVICE 3 Sheets-v-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 14, 1963 w R O m R N T E L A N .l /fi N O D R O G Y B B 9 W l 2 G F ATTORNEY Dec. 21, 1965 G. M. ALTROCK SCRUBBING AND POLISHING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 14, 1963 FIG. 4

FIG. 3

FIG. 6

INVENTOR. GORDON M. ALTROCK v/M22 0 9% ATTORNEY United States Patent Office 3,224fi Patented Dec. 21, 1965 3,224,025 SCRUBBING AND POLISHING DEVICE Gordon M. Altroek, I584- Fama Drive NE, Atlanta 6, Ga. Filed (let. 14, E63, Ser. No. 315,885 13 Claims. (Cl. 15-119) This invention relates to scrubbing and polishing devices and more particularly to a self-wringing mop which is particularly adapted to scrub and polish floors, wallboards, corners, ceilings and other surface areas and particularly those areas which are disposed underneath heavy items of furniture and the like.

Cleaning and polishing devices have been developed which incorporate a universal connection between the handle portion and the working or cleaning and polishing portion of the device. Ordinarly, the cleaning and polishing element of such devices is rectangular in shape. While the handles of such cleaning and polishing devices are freely movable relative to the cleaning and polishing elements, such devices do not readily lend themselves to the cleaning of wallboards and are not particularly adapted for cleaning corners which are difiicult to reach and which may be located underneath heavy furniture.

Cleaning devices are known in which a sponge is arranged to be folded on itself by a pair of backing plates which in turn are hingedly mounted and which are operated by a linkage mechanism which in turn is operated by a slidable collar or similar device mounted on the handle. Such devices are adaptable for thorough sponge squeezing action but due to the connection between the linkage and the manually operated collar, universal move ment between the handle and the scrubbing element is impossible. Furthermore, in such devices, it is common practice to use backing plates which are hinged along individual hinge pins which in turn are spaced apart so as to receive .a double thickness of the mop when squeezing action is effected.

A principal object of this invention is to provide an improved cleaning and polishing device which has a universal connection between the handle and the cleaning and polishing element and which in addition is constructed .and arranged so as to be particularly adaptable for cleaning wallboards, corners, and other areas to be cleaned or polished.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a squeeze-type mop which is simple and durable in construction and which in addition is provided with a universal connection between the handle and the cleaning and polishing element.

A further object of this invention is to provide a squeeze-type mop in which an improved universal connection is provided and in which a part of the universal connection performs the dual function of affording universal motion in one plane and which in addition constitutes an integral part of the hinged connection between relatively movable backing plates provided to perform the sponge squeezing operation.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved replacement unit for sponge-type squeeze mops.

While the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to a squeeze-type cleaning mop, it is particularly applicable to such a mop. In one form the invention may comprise a sponge having forwardly convergent leading edges and a generally transversely disposed trailing edge, a pair of backing plates disposed atop the sponge and hingedly connected together medially thereof by a swivel element which in turn constitutes a swivel connection with the handle, and an independently movable operating sleeve slidably mounted on the handle and engageable with the backing plates to impart squeezing movement thereto about their hinged connection. In accordance with a feature of the invention, low friction means may be disposed adjacent the lower end of the operating sleeve for engaging the backing plates and thereby to facilitate squeezing operations. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the operating element may be provided with means for holding the element in its inactive or up position. Such means may comprise a spring by which the operating sleeve is interrelated with the handle element or, if desired, such means may constitute a slot in the operating element and a pin secured to the handle and riding in the slot. According to another facet of the invention, wedge-shaped elements may be disposed atop the backing plates and may be positioned so as to be engaged by parts of the operating element in such a way that the outer edges of the sponge are compressed to a greater degree than the more centrally located portions thereof and thereby efficient squeezing action is achieved.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a squeeze-type mop embodying the invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the various parts which constitute the structure depicted in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an enlarged View of the operating sleeve which constitutes an essential part of the invention; FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the operating element taken along the line designated 44 in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the bottom portion of the mop shown during a sponge squeezing operation; and in which FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure comprising the mop and which represents a modification of the invention whereby the operating sleeve such as is depicted in FIG. 3 is held in its normal inactive position by spring means rather than by a slot and pin as shown in FIG. 3.

With reference to FIG. 1, the numeral 1 generally designates the handle while the numeral 2 generally designates the working element which may take the form of a cleaning or polishing element. The numeral 3 generally designates the operating sleeve while the numeral 4 generally designates the swivel whereby a universal connection is formed between the working element 2 and the handle 1.

As shown best in FIG. 2, the handle 1 is provided at its lower end with a connecting bracket 5 which preferably is constructed of metal and which is afiixed in known manner to the bottom end of the handle 1. Bracket 5 incorporates a bolt 6 and a wing nut 6a. Bolt 6 normally is inserted through an aperture 7 formed in both the downwardly and upwardly extending surfaces of bracket 5. When assembled the bracket 5 defines a transversely disposed swivel cavity at the lower end of handle 1.

Swivel element 4 as best shown in FIG. 2 constitutes a looped elongated element in which the loop or axle portion 3 is formed. Loop or axle portion 8 when in assembled condition is disposed within the swivel cavity formed in bracket 5 so that swinging movement of handle 1 in a plane which includes the body portion of swivel element 4 is accommodated.

Sponge working element 2 comprises a sponge element 9. A medially disposed trough 9a preferably is formed in the top portion of sponge 9 and a pair of clamping plates 10 and 11 are secured by any known adhesive means to the sponge 9 on opposite sides of the medially disposed trough 9a. Fastening plate 11 is provided with upstanding fastening tabs 12 and 13 while fastening plate 19 is provided with similar upstanding fastening tabs 14 and 15. In FIG. 2 the fastening tabs for plate iii are shown from the side and constitute yieldable upstanding tabs doubled back on themselves although it will be understood that the tabs 12 and 13 could take the form of some other know fastening means such as threaded bolts and nuts.

As can clearly be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sponge 9 is provided with edge portions 16 and 17 which intersect to form an angular nose portion generally designated by the numeral 18. It will readily be understood that the nose portion 18 facilitates the scrubbing and polishing of corners.

For the purpose of securing the sponge 9 to the handle and in order to impart desired rigidity thereto a pair of backing plates 19 and 20 are provided. Plate 19 incorporates a pair of openings 21 and 22 for receiving the upstanding fastening tabs 12 and 13, respectively. In like fashion, the backing plate 20 is provided with a pair of apertures 23 and 24 for receiving the upstanding fastenings tabs 14 and 15, respectively. It will be understood that the tabs 12 and 13 are spaced apart by a sufiicient distance so as to establish a frictional cont-act within the apertures 21 and 22. Furthermore, the tabs 12 and 13 are characterized by a degree of resiliency whereby a frictional biasing action against the apertures 21 and 22 is achieved. In like fashion, the tabs 14 and are characterized by a degree of resiliency and are spaced apart so as frictionally to engage the apertures 23 and 24. In this manner the sponge 9 is readily removable from the backing plates 19 and 2t) and hence in accordance with a feature of the invention may be constituted a replaceable element whereby the working surface of the mop may be renewed from time to time as may be necessary. If desired, ordinary nuts and bolts could be used instead of the tabs 1215.

In order to form a hinged connection between backing plates 19 and these plates are respectively provided with a plurality of hinge elements 25 and 26, respectively. Thus, when the elements 25 are interspersed with the elements 26 the body portion of the swivel element 4 may be disposed therein and hence may constitute the hinge pin for the backing plates 19 and 20. Preferably the hinge elements 25 and 26 are disposed in a plane somewhat below the normal plane of backing elements 19 and 20. Thus, the trough 9a affords a convenient space for receiving the elements 25 and 26 and the hinge pin portion of swivel element 4. Preferably the plates 19 and 20 are provided with notches 19a and 20a for receiving the twisted portion 8a of swivel element 4.

For the purpose of engaging the upper surfaces of backing plates 19 and 20 and for swinging them downwardly about the swivel element 4 as a hinged connection, the operating element 3 is slidably mounted on handle 1. As is best shown in FIG. 3 operating element 3 is provided with a pair of diametrically disposed slots 27. Furthermore, as is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 a pair of low friction elements in the form of rollers 28 and 29 are rotatably mounted on shafts 30 and 31 which in turn are securely affixed at their ends to the pronged portion of slidable operating element 3.

In order to reinforce plates 19 and 20 and to insure adequate squeezing action, a pair of wedge-shaped elements 32 and 33 are afiixed atop the backing plates 19 and 20, respectively. Thus, downward sliding movement of operating sleeve 3 causes the low friction rollers 28 and 29 to engage the wedge shaped elements 32 and 33 and thereby to impart squeezing action to the backing plates 19 and 20 and sponge 9 so that the parts then occupy the positions depicted in FIG. 5 in which the mop 9 is shown as fully collapsed along its medial line with the backing plates 19 and 20 disposed in parallel relationship to each other.

Upon the completion of the sponge squeezing operation, the operating sleeve is simply moved upwardly to its normal position as shown in FIG. 1 and the sponge is caused to assume its normal position as shown in FIG. 1 due in part to its inherent spring action and also by the action of suitable coil springs not shown but which are mounted on swivel element 4.

In order to retain the operating sleeve 3 in its normal upper position, a pin 34 may be secured to the handle 1 and a locking slot 35 may be formed in the sleeve 3. Pin 34 may comprise a small bolt threaded radially into the handle 1. Thus, when the sleeve 3 is elevated the pin 34 moves downwardly to the lowermost end of the vertical portion 36 of the slot 35 and thereafter the sleeve 3 is rotated about the handle 1 to cause the pin to move into the horizontal locking portion 37 of the,locking slot 35. In such position the operating sleeve 3 is held in its upper or inactive position.

If desired, a hand gripping element 3a may be formed on the upper end of operating sleeve 3 and preferably is constructed of rubber or other suitable material.

As an alternative construction to the pin 34 and the locking slot 35, 36 and 37, a yieldable spring 38 may be used as depicted in the modification designated as FIG. 6 in the drawing. As is clearly shown in FIG. 6, the spring 38 simply engages at its upper end a shoulder portion 39 formed within the sleeve 1 and at its lower end rests on transversely disposed pin 40 which is mounted in the handle 1. In the arrangement depicted in FIG. 6, it is not necessary to rotate the operating sleeve 3 about the handle 1 in order to move the sleeve into operating position. Instead, it is simply necessary to push downwardly on the sleeve 3 and thereby to compress spring 38. Thereafter, the low friction elements 28 and 29 ride along the wedge elements 32 and 33 and the squeezing operation is completed. Upon completion of the squeezing action the operating sleeve 3 is moved upwardly manually and with the aid of compression spring 38. When operating element 3 is released it is held in its upper or normal position by the action of spring 38.

In accordance with one feature of the invention, the leading edges 16 and 17 of the sponge 9 and of the backing plates 20 and 19, respectively, form the angular nose portion 18. This feature combined with the universal connection between the handle 1 and the working element 2 makes it possible to turn the mop on its side so that the surface 16 or the surface 17 lies against the floor along its entire length. When so disposed the bottom of the sponge may lie alongside the wall board. The universal connection between the handle and working element readily accommodates the height of the user and enables the working element to lie fiat against the wallboard irrespective of the height of the operator or the distance by which he stands from the wall within limits. The handle is at a height determined in part by the height of the operator and thus tilts the plane of the sponge at a slight angle to the wall. Thus the plate edges 16 and 17 do not touch the floor. Furthermore, the nose portion 18 goes into corners readily. When disposed in a corner thorough cleaning action of the corner may be achieved by simply rotating the handle 1. Rotation of the handle 1 through the universal connection between the handle and the working element imparts rotary motion to the working element 2 about a vertical axis. In this manner, thorough cleaning and polishing action of corner areas is achieved in accordance with one feature of the invention.

Furthermore, it will be understood that universal motion is achieved between the handle and the working element 2 in a mop which is of the squeeze-type due to the fact that the operating element 3 is movable completely independently of the working element 2. Stated otherwise, there are no linkages which interconnect the backing plates 19 and 20 with the slidable element 3. Thus, the working element 2 may be squeezed about the swivel element 4 without interferring or impeding in any way the universal connection between the handle 1 and the working element 2.

It will also be understood that unusual simplicity and rigidity are provided according to the invention by utilizing the common swivel element or axle portion 8 as a means of forming a universal connection between the swivel cavity formed in the bracket 5 and the swivel cavity defined by the hinge elements 25 and 26 and at the same time another axle portion of the common swivel element 4 is utilized as the hinge pin for disposition within the hinge elements 25 and 26.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and it is intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In combination, a fiat working element having a working surface movable along a second surface in frictional contact therewith and having a pair of angularly disposed edges defining an angular nose portion which normally constitutes a leading edge of said element, an elongated handle element, a swivel element, an articulated connection between said handle element and said swivel element having a first axle portion which is transverse to said handle and which accommodates swinging movement of said handle relative to said working element through an angle of approximately one hundred eighty degrees and in a first plane which includes the bisector of the angle between said angularly disposed edges of said working element, and an articulated connection between said working element and said swivel element and having a second axle portion in fixed normal relation to said first axle portion and which accommodates swinging movement of said swivel element relative to said Working element only in a second plane which is normal to the plane of swinging movement of said handle relative to said working element whereby rotation of said handle about its axis when said handle is disposed at a normal working angle to said working element imparts rotation to said working element about an axis which is normal to its working surface and thus causes shifting of said nose portion relative to the second surface.

2. A frictional surface rubbing device comprising a fiat working element having forwardly convergent leading edges defining a central angular nose portion and a generally transverse trailing edge, a handle, first swivel cavity means formed in said working element and disposed with its axis in general coincidence with the imaginary bisector of the angle formed by said leading edges of said working element, second swivel cavity means formed at the lower end of said handle and disposed with its axis in transverse relation thereto, and a common swivel element interrelating said swivel cavity means and having a pair of articulating portions disposed respectively in said swivel cavity means, said articulating portions having their axes disposed in normal relation to each other so that rotation of said handle about its axis when said handle is disposed at a normal working angle to said working element imparts rotation to said working element about an axis which is normal thereto.

3. A mop comprising a sponge, a pair of backing plates secured to the top of said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, a handle, means defining a universal connection between said backing plates and said handle, and an elongated separate operating element having a slotted inner end and movable independently of said backing plates and slidably mounted on said handle and engageable with said backing plates to impart swinging movement thereto about their hinged connections in coordination with envelopment of the hinged connection between said backing plates by the slotted end of said operating element thereby to squeeze said sponge.

4. A mop comprising a sponge, a pair of backing plates secured to the top of said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, a handle, means defining a universal connection between said backing plates and said handle, an elongated separate operating element having a slotted inner end and movable independently of said backing plates and slidably mounted on said handle and engageable with said backing plates to impart swinging movement thereto about their hinged connection in coordination with envelopment of the hinged connection between said backing plates by the slotted end of said operating element thereby to squeeze said sponge, and means for normally holding said operating element out of engagement with said backing plates.

5. A mop comprising a sponge, a pair of backing plates secured to the top of said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, a handle, means defining a universal connection between said backing plates and said handle, a separate operating element movable independently of said backing plates and slidably mounted on said handle and engageable with said backing plates to impart swinging movement thereto about their hinged connection thereby to squeeze said sponge, a holding slot formed in said operating element, and a pin secured to said handle and disposed in said slot, said slot being effective normally to hold said operating element out of engagement with said backing plates and being configured to accommodate sliding movement of said operating element upon rotation of said operating element relative to said handle.

6. A mop comprising a sponge, a pair of backing plates secured to the top of said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, a handle, means defining a universal connection between said backing plates and said handle, an elongated separate operating element having a slotted inner end and movable independently of said backing plates and slidably mounted on said handle and engageable with said backing plates to impart swinging movement thereto about their hinged connection in coordination with envelopment of the hinged connection between said backing plates by the slotted end of said operating element thereby to squeeze said sponge, and spring means forming a yieldable connection between said operating element and said handle and normally elfective to hold said operating element out of engagement with said backing plates.

7. A mop comprising a sponge, a pair of backing plates secured to the top of said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, an elongated handle, a swivel element forming an articulated connection with said handle and with said backing plates, said swivel element forming an integral part of the hinged connection between said backing plates, said swivel element also having an articulated connection with said handle whereby swinging movement of said handle is accommodated in a .plane which includes said hinged connection and which movement may extend through an angle of approximately one hundred eighty degrees, and a separate operating element movable independently of said backing plates and slidably mounted on said handle and engageable with said backing plates to impart swinging movement thereto about their hinged connection thereby to squeeze said sponge.

8. A mop comprising a sponge, a pair of backing plates secured to the top of said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, an elongated handle, a swivel element forming an articulated connection with said handle and with said backing plates, said swivel element constituting a part of the hinged connection between said backing plates, said swivel element also having an articulated connection with said handle whereby swinging movement of said handle is accommodated in a plane which includes said hinged connection and which movement may extend through an angle of approximately one hundred eighty degrees, a separate operating element movable independently of said backing plates and slidably mounted on said handle and engageable with said backing plates to impart swinging movement thereto about their hinged connection thereby to squeeze said sponge, and means for normally holding said operating element out of engagement with said backing plates.

9. A mop comprising a sponge having a pair of angularly disposed edges defining an angular edge portion which normally constitutes the leading edge thereof, a pair of backing plates secured atop said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, the hinged connection between said backing plates being disposed in a vertical plane which includes the bisector of the angle between said angularly disposed edges of said sponge, an elongated handle, a swivel element forming an articulated connection with said handle and with said backing plates, said swivel element forming a part of the hinged connection between said backing plates, said swivel element also having an articulated connection with said handle whereby swinging movement of said handle is accommodated in a plane which includes said hinged connection and which movement may extend through an angle of approximately one hundred eighty degrees.

10. A mop comprising a sponge having a pair of angularly disposed edges defining an angular edge portion which normally constitutes the leading edge thereof, a pair of backing plates secured atop said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, the hinged connection between said backing plates being disposed in a vertical plane which includes the bisector of the angle between said angularly disposed edges of said sponge, an elongated handle, means constituting an articulated universal connection between said handle and said backing plates, and a separate operating element movable independently of said backing plates and slidably mounted on said handle and engageable with said backing plates to impart swinging movement thereto about their hinged connection thereby to squeeze said sponge.

11. A mop comprising a sponge having a pair of angularly disposed edges defining an angular edge portion which normally constitutes the leading edge thereof, a pair of backing plates secured atop said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, the hinged connection between said backing plates being disposed in a vertical plane which includes the bisector of the angle between said angularly disposed edges of said sponge, an elongated handle, means constituting a universal connection between said handle and said backing plates, an operating element slidably mounted on said handle and engageable with said backing plates to impart sponge squeezing motion to said backing plates, and means for normally holding said operating element out of engagement with said backing plates.

12. A mop comprising a sponge, a pair of backing plates secured to the top of said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, a handle, means defining a universal connection between said backing plates and said handle, a separate operating element movable independently of said backing plates and slidably mounted on said handle and engageable with said backing plates to impart swinging movement thereto about their hinged connection thereby to squeeze said sponge, said operating element being tubular in configuration and having a pair of diametrically disposed slots formed at the bottom edge thereof for receiving the hinged connection between said backing plates when moved into engagement therewith, and low friction means formed on said operating element and directly engageable with said backing plates.

13. A mop comprising a sponge, a pair of backing plates secured to the top of said sponge and hingedly connected to each other, a handle, means defining a universal connection between said backing plates and said handle, a separate operating element movable independently of said backing plates and slidably mounted on said handle and engageable with said backing plates to impart swinging movement thereto about their hinged connection thereby to squeeze said sponge, and a wedgelike element secured atop each backing plate and disposed with its thin edge adjacent the hinged connection between said backing plates and with its thick portion extending outwardly therefrom in a direction normal to the hinged connection, said wedge-like elements being positioned for engagement by said operating element and being effective to impart greater squeezing action to the outer portions of said sponge than to the centrally disposed parts thereof.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,591,080 7/1926 Cole et al 15228 2,221,128 11/1940 Bates 15--119.1 X 2,577,496 12/1951 Wolfer 15--244.0 X 2,730,744 1/1956 Vaughn 151l9 2,757,398 8/1956 Richards et al. 15244.0 X 2,880,443 4/1959 Le Febvre 15244 2,893,033 7/1959 Vosbikian et al. 15144 2,897,528 8/ 1959 Greenleaf 15244 2,967,320 1/1961 Short 15229.2 X 3,012,264 12/1961 Nash 15144.1 X

DANIEL BLUM, Primary Examiner.

CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Examiner. 

3. A MOP COMPRISING A SPONGE, A PAIR OF BACKING PLATES SECURED TO THE TOP OF SAID SPONGE AND HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER, A HANDLE, MEANS DEFINING A UNIVERSAL CONNECTION BETWEEN SAID BACKING PLATES AND SAID HANDLE, AND AN ELONGATED SEPARATE OPERATING ELEMENT HAVING A SLOTTED INNER END AND MOVABLE INDEPENDENTLY OF SAID BACKING PLATES AND SLIDABLY MOUNTED ON SAID HANDLE AND ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID BACKING PLATES TO IMPART SWINGING MOVEMENT THERETO ABOUT THEIR HINGED CONNECTIONS IN COORDINATION WITH ENVELOPMENT OF THE HINGED CONNECTION BETWEEN SAID BACKING PLATES BY THE SLOTTED END OF SAID OPERATING ELEMENT THEREBY TO SQUEEZE SAID SPONGE. 